Waste Not, a Valley nonprofit that works to eliminate food waste and hunger will hold its 35th annual Empty Bowls fundraising event Oct. 18 -19 inside the Arizona Taco Fest at Salt River Fields, 7555 N. Pima Road in Scottsdale.

In partnership with the Arizona Clay Association, Empty Bowls will benefit Waste Not’s network of over 85 nonprofit agencies that receive excess food for Arizonans in need, according to a press release.

Local artists have hand-crafted individual bowls that will be on display and available for purchase at Empty Bowls. These bowls were donated by the Arizona Clay Association and made specifically for this event. While many of the dishes are one-of-a-kind, there are a few that may run in pairs.

Empty Bowls is a grassroots initiative with fundraising events held throughout the year in multiple cities worldwide. Artists from different regions create handmade bowls, which are used to support efforts addressing food insecurity within local communities. The bowls serve to highlight the issue of hunger and represent the challenges faced by individuals working to meet their basic nutritional needs.

The Arizona Taco Fest features over 40 of the taco makers from all over the Valley.

Attendees can enjoy a tasting experience with over 30 brands of tequila and mezcal, multiple music stages, dancing, Tequila Corrido margaritas, beer, art activations, mercado shopping and kids’ activities.

For more information on Waste Not and its 35th annual Empty Bowls fundraiser, visit www.wastenotaz.org/emptybowls.